Daketown State Forest

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
• • DEC Region 5 Warrensburg Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (518) 623-1200; info.r5@dec.ny.gov
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Town of Greenfield, Saratoga County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 5J
• Map: Daketown State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 506-acre Daketown State Forest is conveniently located about 20 minutes west of the heart of Saratoga Springs. The property hosts a variety of tree species, as well as several large rustic foundations and property walls lining the trails.

Featured Activities

Hiking

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Multiple-use trails throughout the property allow for hiking and mountain biking.

Camping

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

Biking

General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Multiple-use trails throughout the property allow for hiking and mountain biking.

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 5J

General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Hunting and trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons.

Wildlife

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

This state forest contains a wide variety habitat types and wildlife will vary considerably from one area to the next. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and eastern coyote can be found in most of the areas. A wide variety of song birds, hawks, owls, moles, mice, plus skunks, raccoon, woodchuck, squirrels (red and grey), chipmunks, fisher, and porcupine can be found in many of the areas of state Forest. Black bear has been occasionally sited.

Directions

• North Side Daketown Road Parking Lot (43.103206°N, 73.923557°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• South Side Daketown Parking Lot (43.102923°N, 73.923349°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Kilmer Road Parking Lot (43.101298°N, 73.928345°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Coy Road Parking Lot (43.106294°N, 73.92798°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Old Daketown Road Parking Lot (43.109702°N, 73.913358°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Eastern Daketown Road Parking Lot (43.11013°N, 73.90915°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Daketown State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Specific Rules

Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or areas specifically maintained for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Saratoga Warren Draft Unit Management Plan (PDF). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at 5.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Middle Grove State Forest
• Lake Desolation State Forest
• Lincoln Mountain State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Middle Grove and Saratoga.
• Lodging and dining opportunities as well as food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Saratoga.

Saratoga County Tourism Webpage (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.